Mercedes-AMG GT R is new pace car in 2018 Formula 1 season

With an output of 585hp and a top speed of 318km/h, the AMG GT R is the most powerful and fastest Official FIA F1 Safety Car of all time. In this, the 23rd consecutive year, Mercedes-AMG will safely lead the Formula 1 field around the track when bad weather or accidents require its deployment.

The AMG GT R is the ideal Official FIA F1 Safety Car, with the driving dynamics of the AMG GT3 racing car, and having spent a large part of its development time in the “Green Hell” of the Nürburgring.

Never before has Mercedes-AMG packed so much motorsport technology into a production vehicle. The front-mid-engine concept with transaxle, the powerful 4-litre V8 biturbo engine, the elaborately designed chassis, the sophisticated active aerodynamics and the intelligent lightweight construction lay the foundations for an especially dynamic driving experience in the AMG GT R.

Wide front and rear wings allow an increased track width for optimum grip and even higher cornering speeds. The front apron with Airpanel active air control system and the active aerodynamics profile in the underbody, the large rear aerofoil and the rear apron with double diffuser increase the aerodynamic efficiency and help ensure optimum grip. The lightweight forged wheels are likewise designed for maximum driving dynamics. The same applies to the active rear-wheel steering, the nine-way adjustable traction control system and the adjustable coil-over suspension with additional electronic control.

As a result, the AMG GT R offers the optimal prerequisites for the tough job in the premier class of motorsports. The requirements profile of the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) for the Official FIA F1 Safety Car is demanding. It must be able to maintain a minimum speed level to prevent the tyres and brakes of the Formula 1 vehicles from excessive cooling and the engines from overheating. With a top speed of 318km/h and 3.6 seconds for the sprint from zero to 100km/h, the AMG GT R poses no risk for this to happen.

“I am very much looking forward to my new company car. It is an absolute highlight in terms of driving dynamics and is one level higher up still than the AMG GT S of recent years. Of course, ideally the safety car should be deployed as rarely as possible, but when we have to safely bunch up the Formula 1 field and lead it around the track, we will be superbly equipped with the AMG GT R”, says Bernd Mayländer, who will again be the driver of the Official FIA F1 Safety Car in the new season.Read more about the Mercedes-AMG GT R road car.